Mrs. Chris Abney Zeigler Dendy, age 79, passed away on July 8, 2023 in
Rome, GA. She was the daughter of the late Judge W.L. and Lillian
Abney of LaFayette, GA. She earned degrees from both the University of
Georgia and Florida State University.
Chris was recognized nationally and internationally as an expert on
ADHD and executive function deficits. She was a popular speaker at
ADHD training events for parents and professionals offering a welcomed
message of hope.
Throughout her career, Dendy served as a teacher, a counselor, a local
and state mental health administrator, a lobbyist and CEO of a mental
health advocacy organization, a board director for multiple
organizations, a speaker, and author.
Chris authored five highly-respected books, two videos, and the
popular ADHD iceberg poster. She co-authored one of her books with her
son Alex Zeigler, who was the inspiration for her work in this field.
Dendy was inducted into the CHADD Hall of Fame in 2006 and received
the CHADD Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. She continued her work
and remained committed to helping children, adults, and families
coping with ADHD until the time of her passing.
She was beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, an inspiring mentor,
colleague, and friend.
Chris leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and many friends.
She will be greatly missed, yet her legacy lives on through the
tremendous impact she’s had on so many lives.
Chris is survived by her two sons, Alex Zeigler (Haley), and Steven
Dendy (Sandra), her daughter Audrey Dendy Grabowski (Jay), five
grandchildren: Nathan and Ashley Grabowski, Hunter and Emily Dendy,
and Tatum Moore, and two great-grandchildren. In addition, she is
survived by her two sisters, Vicki Abney Ragsdale (Gaut), Dr. Billie
Abney, close family friend Sara Clark, and several cousins.
Chris was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband Robert
Thomas “Tommy” Dendy.
Chris will be buried in LaFayette, GA, where her relatives have been
buried for three generations, in a plot reserved for her and her
sisters.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 29th at Perry Funeral Home
in Centre, AL, from 10 am – 12 pm CDT, followed by a memorial service
in the chapel at noon. The service will be live-streamed through
Chris’ Facebook page for those unable to attend.
A reception will follow at the Dendy residence. Family and friends are
invited to join anytime between 2 pm – 6 pm CDT to celebrate the
remarkable life of Chris Abney Zeigler Dendy.
A private graveside service will be held at 2 pm EDT on Sunday, July
30th at LaFayette Cemetery in LaFayette, GA. This will be a small
service for family and close hometown friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Chris to one of
the organizations listed on her memorial page,
www.chrisdendy.com/memorial.
